Top receiver out for rest of season with torn ACL

It's easy to understand why. Camarillo, a walk-on in college at Stanford and a waiver-wire pickup, hustled until he became not only a starter in the NFL but the Dolphins' go-to receiver.

But during Sunday's loss to the Patriots, Camarillo suffered a torn ACL in his left knee that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

"When you're putting stars next to players' names who on a big stage, in a big-[game] situation showed up, Camarillo is one of those guys. And I would expect nothing less," Sparano said of Camarillo, who leads the team with 55 catches for 613 yards and two touchdowns this season. "That's kind of what you lose. ... Somebody's got to pick the slack up."

Davone Bess, Brandon London and Ernest Wilford are options to replace Camarillo, who will have reconstructive surgery and faces at least nine months of rehab.

Bess' 24 receptions, tied with tight end David Martin for third most on the team, gives him the edge. The rookie started his first game as part of a three-receiver set Sunday and caught a career-high five passes for 87 yards. It was the most receiving yards by a Dolphins rookie since 2001, when Chris Chambers had seven catches for 124 yards against the Patriots.

"I'm always ready when my number is called. This is an opportunity to step up," said Bess, who went undrafted, like Camarillo. "Too bad it had to be in this type of situation, losing a key guy. Wherever coaches want me, where they need me, I'm ready to step up."

London, a second-year receiver acquired off waivers in September, has caught one pass, but he plays ahead of Wilford, an expensive offseason free-agent addition.

Wilford, a five-year veteran who received a contract that guaranteed him $6 million, has also caught just one pass this season. He's only been active for two games because of his limited role on special teams.

"Ernest Wilford has been getting better and better every single week on the practice field. London has been doing some good things. Maybe not as consistent as I'd like it right now," Sparano said. "[London's] got to be a little bit more consistent. He plays a bit young sometimes, but he's getting better."

London, another undrafted player, said Camarillo's road to stardom, which last week landed him a three-year contract extension worth approximately $6 million, is an inspiration to the young and unproven receivers.

As for Sparano's criticism of his recent work, London acknowledges he needs to "keep bringing the fire" and hunger he had when the Dolphins initially claimed him.

"I'm ready. Every day I have to emphasize on getting that much better," said London, who spent last season on the Giants' practice squad. "When I do get in there, I've got to be productive. I've got to be like Greg, continue to make plays for this offense, and not miss a beat when he's out."